IdeaShared

IdeaShared is a dubious application targeting Mac users predominantly. IdeaShared describes itself as a useful tool that will enhance the user's browsing experience through its features. Unfortunately, the core functionality of the application appears to be that of adware. Furthermore, applications such as IdeaShared do not expect users to download them intentionally. Instead, they rely on several deceptive distribution techniques designed to hide the installation process of the application from the attention of the user. This aspect of IdeaShared classifies it as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program).

The intrusive advertising campaign carried out by IdeaShared could impact the normal browsing experience on the affected device severely. The advertisements might take numerous forms - pop-ups, banners, in-text links, etc, and begin to overlay any other content viewed by the user. Any of the displayed advertisements should be approached with increased caution - it is common for such unwanted advertisements to redirect users to dubious or outright unsafe third-party websites. Users should be prepared to land on hoax pages running phishing schemes, technical support tactics or fake giveaways. Domains dedicated to promoting additional PUPs also are a common destination for such forced redirects. 

In nearly all cases, PUPs also are capable of collecting data related to the user's browsing activities. They could siphon the search history, browsing history, clicked URLs and more. Certain device details also might be included in the gathered information - IP address, geolocation and ISP. The information might be packaged and uploaded to a remote server. Afterward, the application's operators might attempt to sell it to third parties for monetary gains.